Canada Scene Setter

Cool Canada

Spread across many territories and provinces, Canada spans six time zones. From cosmopolitan Toronto in the east, to stylish Vancouver in the west, this vast country is impossibly diverse. Canada’s coastlines combine cities with beaches, while the country’s scenic interior is home to wildlife, dramatic mountains and huge ski resorts. Come winter or summer, rain or shine, Canada is a delight. It’s time to start exploring…

Good to know

Flight time: You can fly direct to Vancouver with Air Canada, which takes just under 10 hours. Direct flights to Calgary last about nine hours, while Toronto is just eight hours away.

Climate: Temperatures range from extreme lows of -30°C in January to highs of 27°C in July. June is a great time to visit as the melting snow transforms into a colourful landscape.

Local currency: Canadian Dollar

GMT: Canada spans four time zones from GMT-4 to GMT-7

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is a once in a lifetime spectacle held every July. Watch rodeos, chuck wagon racing, live shows and more during this world famous ten day event.

Winter Olympics

Calgary was the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympics. Visit the Canada Olympic park and take part in a variety of winter sports including skiing, bobsleigh and snowboarding.

Calgary

The first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympic Games, Calgary is nestled against the backdrop of the mighty Rocky Mountains. A fantastic year round destination, this city has something for everyone from dramatic scenery to thrilling winter adventure sports and the yearly spectacle of the Calgary stampede.

Banff

Whilst in Calgary, take a day trip to Banff to see the wildlife at Banff National Park. Take in the amazing views from the Banff Gondola and stop at the perfectly picturesque Lake Louise.

Badlands

Explore The Badlands, an area of striped hills and unusual rock formations. Fit in a trip to Drumhueller, the ‘Dinosaur Capital of the World’ and visit the Royal Museum of Palaeontology.

Our favourite things to do in Canada

Photos are great, but need to see the Northern Lights with your own eyes. Feel at one with nature as you witness a truly incredible light show. As the beautiful, hypnotic colours of the Aurora Borealis fill the sky, you won’t believe your eyes.
The best place to see the Northern Lights is from the northernmost part of Canada, the Northwest Territories, from September to March. Make a night of it and go glamping near Yellowknife in a tipi, or for a fabulous day trip, dash through the snow on a sled pulled by huskies and cosy on up beneath the night sky with a delicious hot soup.

No trip to Canada is complete without a whale-watching experience. With 22 species of whale to see including sperm, humpback and blue you will be in awe of these wondrous creatures.
There are a number of ways to see these magnificent mammals. You can take a boat trip, or hire a kayak to get even closer. Still not close enough? Take a snorkel tour to discover their underwater world.

Tree top adventure

Do you dare to cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge? Walk across this treetop bridge for sweeping views over Grouse Mountain.

Stanley Park

An urban oasis, Stanley Park is the largest urban park in North America – it’s 20% bigger than Central Park in New York City. Hiring a bike is the best way to cover as much ground as possible. The colourful First Nations’ Totem Poles at Brockton Point are a must-see.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a vibrant city full of contrasts. From mountains to skyscrapers, to the lush urban oasis of Stanley Park and the stunning wildlife of Vancouver Island. A welcoming mix of cosmopolitan and cosy, this diverse and friendly city has something for everyone.

Winter sports

If you’re a thrill-seeker, there are a range of winter sports available just an hour’s drive from Downtown Vancouver. Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, so it’s a must-visit for any skier visiting Canada.

Delicious dining

Prefer to take it easy and eat your way around Vancouver? The diverse array of dining options will suit the foodie traveller. The best way to discover the best restaurants is to take a food tour – you won’t regret it.

Food for thought

If food is your thing, Canada is your place. Thanks to the country’s never-ending coastline, there’s masses of seafood on offer here. And you can try the local produce from Canada’s cheese producers, apples orchards and berry farms. Canada is also a big producer of dessert wine – the perfect way to round off any meal. From white-tablecloth restaurants to multicultural food markets, Canada has it all.

CN Tower

Got a head for heights? See Toronto from a different perspective. See the most spectacular views from the top of the CN Tower. Only the bravest will venture to the Edge Walk.

Niagara Falls

No trip to Toronto is complete without a trip to nearby Niagara Falls. Hire a car and head out of the city for the day to see this impressive waterfall, which stretches across the border between Canada and the USA.

Toronto

From record breaking buildings to breath-taking beauty, Toronto has an abundance of attractions to keep you busy.

Shop ‘til you drop!

Toronto is also a great city for indulging in some retail therapy. Start at the ‘Mink Mile’ – Yorkville Village ticks off Prada and Chanel, while the Outlet Mall has plenty of bargains. Round off your trip by browsing the many boutiques at Kensington Market.

Major League Sports

For an authentic Canadian sports experience, book tickets for basketball or baseball. Or go to a top-speed ice hockey game and cheer on the Toronto Maple Leafs.